It's been a winter of record-low temps and record-high snowbanks (see: these eerie photos of a glacier-like Manhattan), and while retailers would have us believe spring's just around the corner, deep down, we know we have miles and miles to go. Which could lead to some sad, sad, not-at-all glowy skin. So I touched base with the best-qualified dermatologist I could think of to help our skin survive till spring—Ranella Hirsch, who's been braving Boston's epic snowfalls. Here are the five ways she suggests we tweak our skin care routines until we glimpse grass again. 1. Layer your moisturizer. Much like adding an extra layer of clothing can really help retain body heat, applying a serum or oil under your moisturizer helps seal in skin's moisture much better. "This is particularly effective if done to a damp face at night under a thick moisturizing cream," Hirsch says. My personal savior/under-layer this winter has been Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex; it's a light oil that soaks right in and never makes me break out, and it's so hydrating it can even serve as a stand-alone moisturizer on days when you're not super dry. 2. Give your skin care brush a break read more

The 2015 Oscars are this weekend, which means half of Hollywood is busy primping and prepping in every possible way. That includes the best preshow skin care, and while we can't all swing A-list dermatologists and space-age laser treatments, we can snag some of the products that help make our favorite celebs look so radiant. Example: Here are five face masks top makeup artists rely on to get their clients glowing before a major red carpet event. !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/lookbook.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof(window.__lookbook) === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__lookbook.init();}}(document, 'script', 'lookbook-script');JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Orlane Absolute Skin Recovery Masque "I like to use this for tired, jet-lagged skin," says celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, whose clients include Claire Danes, Idina Menzel, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. "I put it on all over the face, neck, and decolletage and leave it on while they're getting their hair done. Then I remove it with a toner and start my skin care and makeup on them. This literally takes away the effects of jet lag and stress from the skin." read more

Halle Berry is not only one of the most gorgeous women on the planet, she's also the brand ambassador for Revlon, a makeup company pushing the idea of connection with their Love Is On campaign. So with Valentine's Day coming up, Revlon thought it would be a good time for a quick chat with the stunning actress. Here's what she revealed about her makeup routine—and what she herself finds sexy. Lipstick: Do you remember when you started playing around with makeup? Berry: I was around 16. Lipstick: Were you excited to start? Berry: Oh, yeah, I wanted to do it before I was allowed to do it. I wasn't allowed to do it until I got to a certain age. My mother wasn't really down for that. When I got to be about 16,17 I got into a beauty pageant and I was allowed to start playing around with makeup. Lipstick: Oh, that's funny! Do you feel like you really learned how to do makeup from being in beauty pageants? Berry: I think so. That's when I first started to want to experiment. If I'm going to be in a beauty pageant I have to wear makeup! So I started read more

Cruel fate. Oh, oh why, does Valentine's Day fall in February, a cold, harsh month for your lips? I turned to dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Baxt, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York University, who practices in both Manhattan and New Jersey, to find out what to do before Valentine's Day if your smackers are chapped right now. Her advice: 1) Stop the licking already! "The saliva just breaks down the skin and makes it worse." 2) Moisture up. Use petroleum jelly or Aquaphor multiple times a day on the lips. This will help put moisture back in while protecting your sore smackers at the same time. 3) Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, and moisten the air in your home with a humidifier. 4) Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub or a washcloth, or by softly brushing them with a toothbrush. "This will expose the fresh skin and help your lips start to heal," explains Dr. Baxt. Just make sure to be gentle 5) Say no to the shaker. Refrain from eating salty foods, which increase the urge to lick your lips. 6) Consider your diet. "Certain vitamins are critical to maintaining healthy skin and lips. These include read more

There's nothing like a wedding to turn you into a 2x/day gym girl—and there's nothing like being a 2x/day gym girl to make your skin start breaking out in new places. The last thing you want is bacne or chestne peeking out from the gorgeous gown you've waited your whole life to wear, so keep in mind these tips from dermatologist Jeremy Fenton, M.D., of NYC's Schweiger Dermatology Group. 1. Shower STAT This prevents sweat from sticking around and mixing with dead skin cells to clog pores. If you can't shower right after a workout, do a quick wipe-down using a medicated pad with salicylic or glycolic acid (such as Clear Clinic ClearMe Pads). 2. Upgrade your body wash If you're experiencing body breakouts, an antibacterial or anti-acne wash with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be helpful. Try leaving it on for a few minutes after you lather (while you shave or brush your teeth in the shower) so the medication has time to sink in. 3. Exfoliate regularly This is key to preventing the buildup of dead skin cells that lead to clogged pores. Using an exfoliating scrub, body brush, or just a washcloth can make read more

Last week, we had Gwyneth Paltrow steaming her vagina. Now we have Minka Kelly and Mandy Moore freezing their bums off. Everyone, check out the latest weird spa treatment that's winning celebrity fans: cryotherapy, where you expose your body to extreme low temperatures. Moore announced her new obsession with cryotherapy to the world via Instagram last week and has since gotten famous friend Kelly to join her for another session at L.A.'s Cryo Healthcare. There, for $65, you can spend 2 to 3 minutes in the Cryochamber, chilling to the tune of -200 to -240 degrees Farenheit. No that's not a typo. Negative two hundred to two hundred forty degrees. Whaaat? A photo posted by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm) on Jan 29, 2015 at 2:48pm PST A photo posted by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm) on Feb 2, 2015 at 1:48pm PST "She may not but a convert YET but @minkak got through her first #cryotherapy session like a baller! #friendsmakefriendstrycryotherapy #feelinglikeamillionbuck," Moore writes in her caption. A photo posted by Minka Kelly (@minkak) on Feb 2, 2015 at 1:22pm PST "Cutie pie and #cryotherapy warrior, @mandymooremm warming her booty up after freezing it off!!," Kelly writes. Now for the important question: What read more

Forget the most dramatic rose ceremony ever. Last night's episode of The Bachelor featured the most dramatically awkward first date ever—and that was only the beginning of the crazy (for the rest, please refer to Megan Angelo's always-hysterical recap). The part we need to discuss here: We found out that gorgeous front runner Britt apparently never showers, according to the other ladies of the house, who got down to smack-talking while Britt was out on her one-on-one date. "Maybe he likes his women kind of...dirty," one said. I waited for Britt to offer a confirmation/denial/explanation in the confessional, but it appears America will simply be left wondering exactly how often these showers occur and what Britt is so busy with in the Bachelor mansion that she doesn't have time to bathe. That wasn't the only revelation about Britt's beauty routine, although this next one is less surprising: Girlfriend also not only sleeps in full makeup—as evidenced by the pink-glitter-encrusted eyelids glistening in the camera lights when Chris woke her at 4:30 A.M. for their surprise outing—but, according to Carly, actually applies makeup before bed "just in case." Here's the thing, though. I actually don't judge Britt on either of these read more

Oh, Gwyneth Paltrow—you're always good for a WTF. Only you could have everyone sitting around talking about vagina steaming today. In case you somehow missed this, yes, Gwyneth is now singing the praises of steaming one's vadge. On her site, Goop, she describes a favorite treatment called the Mugworth V-Steam at a Korean spa in L.A. called Tikkun. She writes, "You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwort steam cleanses your uterus, et al. It is an energetic release—not just a steam douche—that balances female hormone levels." After we finished laughing about this—fine, we're still chuckling a little—we realized that Gwyneth's suggestion somehow did leave us with a sudden urge for some hot midwinter steam action. Here are a few steamy beauty rituals we love, none of which involves anything remotely gynecological. 1. Pore-cleansing facials Steaming your face is a debatable beauty habit; many skin care experts say it can exacerbate acne and/or dryness. Still, we'll always be fans of the good old-fashioned extraction facial, which starts with some light steam to relax pores and let deeply embedded gunk slide out more easily under gentle pressure. The steam's pretty much the only soothing read more

While we all love finding out the exact name of a heart-stopping lipstick shade we see on the red carpet (as in: the red lipstick Emma Stone just wore to the SAG Awards), I have to admit, it's the more mundane behind-the-scenes beauty products used to glam up celebrities that really get me excited. For instance, celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder just shared this montage of her awards-season must-haves, and it totally has me wanting to upgrade my makeup drawer for the new year. A photo posted by Monika Blunder (@monikablundermakeup) on Jan 27, 2015 at 3:17pm PST Blunder's swear-bys include, clockwise from top left: 1. SK-II Signs Eye Mask This cotton mask is one sneaky way makeup artists shrink fine lines on their clients before applying other products. 2. Velour Lashes They're made of 100-percent mink for a soft, natural look. 3. Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and Nars Pro-Prime Instant Line and Pore Perfector Prepping with these pre-makeup ensures a more seamless and longer-lasting finish for those marathon Hollywood events. 4. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm This mask brightens, tightens, and hydrates skin that's overtired and dull. 5. Homeoplasmine Cream This cult favorite is what Blunder calls "an read more

For all its inconveniences, a big ol' storm (like the blizzard that's still affecting the Northeast right now) does have one upside: It's every girl's best excuse to relax and enjoy some cozy luxuries that aren't part of your usual routine. You know, like baking a giant batch of brownies, taking a midday couch nap, or binge-reading an entire book by bedtime. And/or, you could use this time to indulge in a DIY beauty treatment that'll leave you looking glowier once everyone emerges from hibernation. Here are our five favorite ideas. 1. Prevent split ends. Winter's low humidity and indoor heat may be catching up with your hair's ends. Moisturize and nourish them by combing one of the following hydrating ingredients through the bottom 1/3 of damp hair and leaving in for 15 to 20 minutes before shampooing: olive oil, plain yogurt, and/or honey. Or, just dig around the bathroom to find a hair mask or hot-oil treatment you'd long since forgotten about—score! 2. Mix up a sweet shower scrub. Use one of those zillion versions you've pinned with great intentions (then promptly forgotten), or try this simple recipe we featured before: 1 cup brown sugar + 1 cup read more

Model and all-round athletic gal Erin Heatherton has been named the brand ambassador for the new men's fragrance Curve Sport (a fresh, sexy mix of crisp apple, pineapple, bergamot, sage, sandalwood, sea moss, and tobacco) that she says she's considered wearing herself. And to kick off the launch, we got to pick her brain for a few minutes about her own beauty routine (mostly in relation to her workout routine because, well, aren't you fascinated?). Read on for her genius bits of wisdom: Lipstick: Do you wear fragrance yourself? Heatherton: Yes, every day. I actually wear two fragrances. It’s a layered mystery. Lipstick: Do you wear fragrance when you work out/exercise, or is it an after-only thing for you? Heatherton: Fragrance for me is never after or only—it’s everything. I am a fragrance connoisseur. I love just going into stores and testing fragrances. The smell of a fragrance is kind of like hearing a song: It makes you feel something that’s really unique to you and can be quite exciting. My interest in fragrance is really a personal thing. I’ve always gravitated toward them and appreciate the subtle, meaningful way they express who you are. Lipstick: Besides smelling good, what read more

I'm a bit of a skin care junkie, so when facialist Joanna Vargas offered a peek into the ways she helps her super-famous clients prep for the red carpet, I was giddy with excitement. Sure enough, the details don't disappoint. Here are four of the amazing-sounding treatments Vargas doled out before Sunday's Golden Globes (to actresses including Dakota Johnson, above). 1. Glow-boosting facials. Vargas' signature Triple Crown facial starts with a diamond peel to gently exfoliate, then some micro-current stimulation of the facial muscles, which helps perk up levels of collagen and elastin and reduce puffiness. For the Globes, she added a citrus and kale beauty mask to oxygenate the skin and even its tone. 2. Full-body microdermabrasion. While they're getting the aforementioned facial, stars also get exfoliated from head to toe with a diamond-tipped wand. Can you imagine? This is basically my dream come true. (Multitasking meets extreme pampering!) 3. Warm compresses. After the microdermabrasion, Vargas applied steamed coconut and ginger compresses to relax her clients' muscles and hydrate their skin. 4. LED light treatment. After the facial, this step added an extra anti-aging and rejuvenating boost. I'll take one of each, please. Seriously, though—sure beats my usual read more

This is the year you're going to do it—wash your face before bed all 365 days. Well, OK, we're already a couple of weeks in, so you might have missed some already. But let's round up for the sake of your sense of accomplishment, shall we? Here is your three-step plan that is going to get you to your goal by 2016. Step 1) Set yourself up for success. This means laying out all your skin care products in your bathroom so that the whole process is not only in-your-face (excuse the pun) but easy. Put your products in order, make sure you have all the accoutrements you prefer (clean washcloths, cotton balls, etc.), and get well-stocked. It makes a difference, I swear. Step 2) Eliminate the excuses. Carry a baby bottle of your face wash in your bag for unexpected overnights. Put face wipes by your bed for the nights you really just can't. And keep hair ties by every available sink. Anything you might use as an excuse not to take off your makeup, you've got to come up with a solution for now. You know yourself. You'll take the out when you're tired if there is one. read more

Hot showers are one area where I definitely don't practice what I preach as a beauty blogger. I'm always reminding you guys (after I'm reminded by the dermatologists I interview) that hot shower water is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to dry skin. Yet there are few things in life that make me feel happy more instantly and completely than a hot shower. So I continue to take them (and compensate with my newfound moisturizing strategy). That said, thanks to one dermatologist tip that stubbornly stuck in my head, I did finally dial down my shower temp a little bit. When I was interviewing Omaha dermatologist Joel Schlessinger for an article recently, he mentioned that there's one easy way to know if your shower water's too hot: Your skin looks red afterward. Lo and behold, when I stepped out of the shower the other day, I noticed that my back looked almost sunburned (that half of my body was directly in the water longer, while I was shaving and using my beloved Clarisonic Pedi). He also suggested testing your shower water with your elbow, a more sensitive area, before hopping in. If it feels too hot then, read more

As even the non-Housewives fans among you have likely heard, Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice has officially gone to prison. I don't want to make light of the situation, especially since her four children are involved, but I have to admit, I'm oddly fascinated by one related story just posted by Us Weekly. The tabloid got a copy of the commissary list for the Federal Correctional Institute in Danbury, Conn., where Teresa just checked in, and discovered which beauty products she'll be able to purchase during her time there. Needless to say, Ulta this is not. Here's the list of the beauty product options now available to the previously beyond-high-maintenance Jersey diva. Clairol hair dye ($9.45) Lip gloss ($3) Dr. Miracle's shampoo ($8.60) Suave Green Apple shampoo ($2.25) Tone Coco Butter lotion ($2.90) Jergens lotion ($4.55) Nivea lotion ($7.35) St. Ives Shea Butter lotion ($7.10) Palmers Coco Butter lotion ($5.15) Hair curlers ($1.50) Pumice stone ($1.90) Headbands (three-pack for $3.90) Tweezers ($1.15) Looks like the pickins are as slim as one would expect, but at least there are ample options to choose from in the lotion area. All of this makes me start thinking...which beauty product would read more

You may have noticed an unusual fashion trend happening this winter—everyone seems to be braving the cold in clothes that flash bare swaths of skin at the midsection, through cutouts in tops and dresses, or on bare shoulders and deep cleavage. I feel chilly just thinking about this concept, but if you're totally into it, here's a bit of insider info that'll help: When celebrities flash skin in winter, it isn't totally bare. They prep with sneaky makeup that keeps said skin from looking pasty and dull (as winter skin tends to do). "Body makeup shouldn't be complicated and unnatural-looking—just something sheer that will add a bit of warmth, that's low-maintenance and easy to apply," explains celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose, who applied Urban Decay Naked Skin Body Beauty Balm to two of his celebrity clients at last night's Girls premiere: Sophia Bush and Gillian Jacobs. "I love it because it has a slight sheen and warmth that glazes over the skin but still lets your skin peek through, so it doesn't look like makeup," Nick says. "Not to mention it's not messy. Once dried, it won't get sticky or rub off on clothes." When using a body perfecter like read more

Been wearing bright lipstick nonstop over the holidays? Chances are your lips are feeling the aftermath by now—the parched, flaky, not-so-pretty aftermath. So here's something to do between now and the return to routine on Monday: a super-easy, two-ingredient DIY lip scrub we just heard about from natural skin care expert Indie Lee. To make Lee's two-step sugar-honey lip scrub, simply mix together a tablespoon each of raw cane sugar and honey (both preferably organic). Apply to your lips with a soft brush or Q-tip, rubbing gently until the sugar has dissolved. What's your favorite fix for stressed-out lips? read more

It all started with bad news. Tata Harper’s stepfather was diagnosed with cancer—and his illness woke her up to the world of holistic living. “I was shocked by the doctor’s lifestyle questions about what my stepfather ate and put on his skin,” she says. Frustrated by a lack of quality natural skin care, the Colombia-born Harper took matters into her own hands and created her own line. Today, Tata Harper 100% Natural & Nontoxic Luxury Skincare, sourced on her Vermont farm, is a wild success. My Beauty Mantra: “I’ve learned that natural ingredients can be very strong. My Elixir Vitae performs like an injectable, relaxes muscles, and promotes volume on the fat pads of the face.” My Skin Care Booster: “I don’t work in clean places— whether I’m on the farm or in a city where there’s a lot of pollution. My Clarisonic cleansing brush really gets into my pores and gives them a deep clean.” My Power Beauty Look: “Glowing skin, metallic eyeliner, and wearing my hair down.” read more